Unveiling the Best in North American Automotive Innovation
Car of the Year Finalists
The Honda Civic Hybrid stands out with its hybrid technology, offering a perfect blend of fuel efficiency and performance. It's a vehicle that caters to the eco-conscious driver without compromising on power. The Kia K4, on the other hand, brings a sleek design and a range of features that make it a contender in the car of the year category. Toyota's Camry, a household name, continues to impress with its reliability and comfort. It's a vehicle that has been a favorite among consumers for years.
These three finalists represent the best that the automotive industry has to offer in terms of car design and technology. Each one brings something unique to the table, making the competition for the car of the year title fierce.
Truck of the Year Finalists
The Ford Ranger has long been a favorite among truck enthusiasts. Its rugged design and powerful performance make it a reliable workhorse. The Ram 1500, with its luxurious features and towing capabilities, is a force to be reckoned with. Toyota's Tacoma, known for its durability and off-road capabilities, is a staple in the truck market. These three finalists showcase the diversity and excellence of the truck segment.
Whether you need a truck for work or for adventure, these finalists have got you covered. They represent the pinnacle of truck design and engineering.
Utility Vehicle of the Year Finalists
The Chevrolet Equinox EV is leading the way in the electric vehicle market. Its advanced technology and spacious interior make it a practical choice for families. The Hyundai Santa Fe offers a comfortable and stylish ride, with a range of features that enhance the driving experience. Volkswagen's ID. Buzz brings a touch of nostalgia with its unique design and modern features. These finalists are at the forefront of the utility vehicle revolution.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve, these utility vehicles are setting the standard for what consumers can expect from this segment. They offer a perfect balance of functionality and style.
These vehicles were voted on by 50 automotive journalists across the U.S. and Canada. Jurors will evaluate the finalist vehicles in the coming weeks before the Auto Show announcement. You can purchase tickets to the Auto Show at this link.RELATED: Taylor Decker shares his car story with Detroit Auto ShowLions OL Taylor Decker shares his car story with Detroit Auto ShowHighlighted Vehicles and Their Owners
In addition to Terry Webb's 1932 Ford High Boy, the show featured a 1927 Ford Roadster and a 1926 Ford Rat Rod, both owned by Bill Fleming. These classic cars were a sight to behold, with their timeless designs and impeccable craftsmanship. The attention to detail was evident in every corner, from the polished chrome to the carefully restored interiors.
Adam Wilson's 1972 Chevy C-10 and Bob Shay's 1965 Buick also stole the show. Adam Wilson was presented with the 2nd Best of Show trophy by Michelle Oakley, the founder and director of Southern Paws Rescue, Inc. Bob Shay, on the other hand, received the Best of Show trophy for his magnificent 1965 Buick. These awards were a testament to the quality and uniqueness of the vehicles on display.
Mayor's Choice and Adoption Opportunities
Southern Paws Rescue, Inc.'s Founder & Director Michelle Oakley, along with Asher Mayor Wesley Culwell, presented the Mayor’s Choice trophy to Jim Sparks for his 1934 Ford Coupe. This recognition added to the excitement of the event and showcased the diverse range of vehicles and talents on show.
Ricardo Rodriguez sponsored two dogs for adoption, including Annie and Scooby. Through Southern Paws Rescue, there were about six dogs and five cats available for adoption, giving potential pet owners the chance to find their furry friends. The Rhodeses also participated in the car show fundraiser, with Nakia and Kya Rhodes operating a radio-controlled Polaris RZR with their Dachshund Ziggy. It was a heartwarming sight to see the family come together for a good cause.
The Grinch posed with Honey, an 8-year-old Chihuahua & Rat Terrier mix available for adoption. Honey is house-trained and gets along well with cats, dogs, and kids. For more information, visitors can check the Southern Paws Rescue, Inc. Facebook page or email spawsrescue@gmail.com. This initiative not only showcased the cars but also highlighted the importance of pet adoption and the work of rescue organizations.
Uncover the Coolest Cars at the LA Auto Show
West Hall: A Bird's-Eye View
If you haven't had the chance to visit the LA Auto Show, it's important to note the sheer scale of the venue. Spanning across Pico Boulevard in downtown LA, it offers a vast array of automotive delights. We began our exploration in the West hall, where the first car that caught our eye was the Ford Mustang GTD. This one is truly a marvel, and I'm calling it the Mystang due to its similar Mystichrome paint seen on some of Ford's previous high-profile creations. It's set to be the fastest Mustang ever made by Ford when it reaches customers' hands.
Next, we came across the Ford F-150 Lightning, which claimed the King of the Mountain title at Pikes Peak this year. Despite a brief 26-second stop mid-run to address an issue, its 1,600 horsepower was enough to beat every other competitor. It's a true force to be reckoned with.
West Hall: Kia's Standout Models
In the West hall, Kia presented a batch of impressive cars. The WKNDR Concept, which I'm calling an ID. Buzz Killer, is a notable addition. Although it's not scheduled for production, the PV5 it's based on is a real EV van coming soon. In fact, it's going from concept to production in a remarkably short time compared to VW.
The new Kia EV9 GT and Sportage also stole the show. The Sportage gets more aggressive vertical headlights, a new curved display in the cabin, and a bit more power for hybrid buyers. The EV9 GT, on the other hand, is a 501 horsepower SUV with adaptive dampers, sticky tires, and bigger brakes. While the pricing remains unknown, we expect it to exceed $78,000 when it hits dealer lots.
Subaru's Performance Struggle
Subaru may be doing well in overall sales, but the performance market is a different story. The WRX has no STI counterpart, and Subaru brought a reminder of this to the show with Project Midnight. It's a bit of a slap in the face to STI fans, but it was there nonetheless. Interestingly, there was just enough space between it and a normal WRX for an STI trim to fit.
South Hall: Supercars and Race Cars
Heading towards the South hall, we were greeted by a collection of race cars and supercars. Porsche took center stage, showcasing their impressive lineup. Then, there was the newest KTM X-Bow GT, sitting among other supercars and super GT cars. In the corner, we spotted a pair of Drako-branded cars. The company claims that the 2,000 horsepower Dragon will go into series production with 420 miles of range in 2026. If this becomes a reality, it will be a game-changer.
Wildcard: West Coast Customs
The folks at West Coast Customs brought several awesome builds to the show. One of the highlights was 3018, an art piece from Daniel Arsham that resembles a Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder with crystals growing out of it. Alongside it was a classic 1970 Camaro RS with a stunning and very unique paint job. There were also various other cars, making this section a true wildcard at the LA Auto Show. We can't wait to share more from the show soon.